IND vs ENG, Lord’s Test: Jasprit Bumrah returns to familiar hunting ground as India eye 2-1 lead

London: India’s pace unit, already riding high on Akash Deep’s sensational 10-wicket performance and Mohammed Siraj’s incisive bowling, is set to get even more dangerous with the return of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the third Test at Lord’s.

With the five-match series tied 1-1, Bumrah’s comeback gives India a decisive advantage against an England side still struggling to find bowling rhythm on benign surfaces.

India’s bowling dominance at Edgbaston exposed England’s vulnerabilities with the bat, and the return of Bumrah, a proven match-winner at Lord’s, adds to the pressure. His presence not only boosts India’s wicket-taking capabilities but also provides tactical depth and experience that could prove critical in swinging the series.

Akash Deep, who picked 10 wickets in the previous Test, is expected to retain his place, having impressed with his accuracy and reverse swing. Siraj too, having taken six wickets, has found a rhythm that consistently threatens the England top order.

In contrast, England’s bowling has looked toothless, especially with Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse failing to trouble Indian batsmen. The inclusion of Jofra Archer is seen as a desperate but necessary move. Archer’s pace and bounce could make a difference at Lord’s, but he returns after an injury, plagued spell and will be under immediate scrutiny.

Shoaib Bashir’s lack of penetration has further weakened the home side’s attack, as India’s deep batting order has shown no signs of discomfort against spin.

Skipper Shubman Gill has led by example, racking up 269 and 161 in the second Test to anchor India’s massive win. Alongside Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Yashasvi Jaiswal have also contributed crucial runs. The batting lineup, which includes the returning KL Rahul and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, looks settled and confident heading into the Test.

For England, the spotlight remains on senior batsmen Joe Root and Ollie Pope. The middle order has struggled under pressure, with only a 303-run stand between Harry Brook and Jamie Smith offering any resistance in the previous Test. If they are to turn things around, consistent contributions from the top order will be essential.

The pitch at Lord’s is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball. The iconic slope could aid swing bowlers like Bumrah and Archer. Weather forecasts predict mostly sunny conditions for the first three days, with clouds returning late in the match, potentially assisting seamers.

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. Historically, sides batting first at Lord’s have a slight edge, and the deteriorating nature of the pitch by Day 5 makes chasing totals risky. A first innings score of 400 or more could be decisive.

With Bumrah’s return and Akash Deep’s red-hot form, India’s bowling unit appears far superior to England’s inexperienced attack. While Jofra Archer’s inclusion offers England a fighting chance, India’s overall balance and depth give them the upper hand heading into the crucial third Test.

India (expected XI) Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.

England (expected XI) Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.